Krabi TEFL Course – Teach in Thailand!

If the limestone karst formations of Thailand’s southern coast have you beaming with delight, our Krabi TEFL Course prior to teaching English in Thailand is just for you. A long-time favorite destination for beach goers and rock climbers alike, with stunning sunsets, island hopping and great nightlife, Krabi has all the charm of a beach city and none of the unwanted fluff. With our three-week, internationally accredited TESOL / TEFL course in Thailand, you can live your dream of teaching English in Thailand because not only do you get quality training, but we provide job placement to teach in Thailand!

ACCOMMODATIONS:

Accommodation for the entirety of the course is provided by Grand Mansion Krabi. This hotel offers a charming stay less than 100 meters from our training facility. Your spacious shared room (with one other teacher) has a refrigerator, wardrobe closet, T.V. and wifi. There is a massage therapist and restaurant onsite. The hotel is near the city center and within walking distance to eateries, shopping and nightlife.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Must have a fluency in English and an eagerness to learn about Thai culture.

Non-native speakers and those without a university degree will be considered on a case-by-case basis and may need to provide a video essay and an interview.

HOW TO APPLY:

Please send your resume, copy of your diploma, a copy of your passport and a recent photo (a common request from schools in Thailand) to be considered!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How long are the teaching contracts?

It depends on where you’re placed. After successful completion of the TEFL course, the agency will work to place you in a school, and your contract terms will be between you and the school. Usually contracts are either 5 months (one semester) or 10 months (one academic year) while teaching English in Thailand, but it’s quite common for teachers to re-sign contracts and stay longer than the initial commitment.

What if I decide to extend my contract?

Assuming you successfully fulfilled your first contract, most schools will be more than happy to have you stay longer!

Does Teach English: ESL help with the visa process?

Yes! Once you’ve been accepted to join the team, we’ll guide you through the visa process. You’ll apply for an extended tourist visa, and once you’re placed with a school, your employer will pay for your Non-B visa and work permit.

What if I don’t speak the local language?

No problem! Schools want fluent English speakers because they want the students to have an immersion language program, which means only English is spoken in the English classroom, all the time. The idea is to force students to use the language they already know, and not to rely on conversing with their English teacher in their native tongue. However, you may also be asked to participate in a cultural exchange with the Thai teachers, where they teach you Thai and you teach them English. You’ll find that knowing certain words/phrases will only make your job easier.

What if I’m not a native speaker?

That’s okay, as long as you speak, read and write English fluently! You may still participate in our TEFL courses with job placement, though you’ll have a few more boxes to tick before the application process is complete. Alternatively, you could look into our Volunteer Thailand programs teaching young monks or children on the beach.

What if I don’t have a degree?

That’s okay too, but you’ll likely start at a lower salary than degree holders (usually 25,000 Thai baht per month). You will also need to buy your own work permit, since most schools will not sponsor our non-degree holders. This could cost an extra $1,000 USD.

What if I’ve never taught English before?

No worries! That’s why you’re signing up for a TEFL certification. You’ll be provided with all the knowledge and skills necessary to teach English in Thailand, even if it’s your first time.

Do I get training?

Yes. That’s what the TEFL courses are all about. On top of the regular course curriculum with hands-on teaching practice, you’ll learn all about Thai culture and customs, what to expect in the school, living situations, etc. It’s also a chance to mingle with all the other foreign teachers from around the world, to swap lesson planning ideas over a few beers, or make plans for the holidays. This is also where you’ll find out where you’ll be placed to teach in Thailand.

Will I be the only foreign teacher at my school?

Probably not. Almost all of our placements have at least one other foreign teacher on staff, and some have up to 12. However, even if there aren’t many foreign coworkers at your school, it’s almost guaranteed there will be others at a nearby school or somewhere in the town.

Can I apply with my friend/spouse/significant other?

Yes! It is slightly more difficult to place friends and couples together, but we can do our best to get you in the same city if not the same school. Applicants will have to submit their applications together, and each applicant should be sure to notify us of their intention to be placed together.

Will someone be there to pick me up at the airport?

Yes. A staff member will pick you up from the airport in Krabi as long as you inform us of your flight information.

Are flights included and booked for me?

No, flights are not included in the fee, and you are responsible for arranging your own flights/transportation to Bangkok. We’re happy to provide tips and suggestions though.

When should I book my flight?

You may book your flights once you’re accepted to the program and have paid your program fee.

What will my teaching schedule be like?

Most schools operate 07:30-16:00, Monday through Friday, but you’ll be teaching a maximum of 20 classroom hours. This means, you’ll have plenty of free time to lesson plan, read a book, make friends with your coworkers, etc.

Do I teach the same students all week?

In most cases, you’ll have several classes that you see more than once a week, for 45 minutes to an hour each time.

How big are the classes?

Anywhere from 20 in a smaller school to 50 in a larger one.

When does the academic year begin in Thailand?

The first semester begins in May and ends in September. The second starts in November and ends in March. However, we can place teachers year-round.

When are the Thai holidays?

The month of October is a holiday, and so is mid-March – mid-May. October is often paid, but the summer (Mar – May) is not. Most people use this time to travel around Thailand and the rest of Southeast Asia!

What am I supposed to wear to work?

Thais prefer a smart look. Black skirts and colorful blouses with heals are accepted with smiles. For the guys, kakhi pants and button-up shirts go over well. Every school will differ a little on dress code – some might even provide a shirt for you to wear on a certain day of the week – and it’s a good idea to overdress your first few days and then change your style based one what the Thai teachers are wearing. Girls – absolutely no shoulders (tank tops) or cleavage will be accepted anywhere. Guys and gals – be careful not to look like a backpacker. No sandals, flip flops or open-toed shoes. It won’t bode well in your favor.

Can I teach in the city/province of my choice?

You may submit your regional preference (ie north, south, etc.) for a teaching location, but we cannot guarantee that we will be able to honor your request. Thai schools – your employer – make final hiring decisions based on their own individual preferences and requirements. From our experience, we know that flexibility is the key to having an enjoyable experience while teaching English in Thailand! Many teachers who thought they wanted to be placed in one town or city were actually very happy that they ended up being placed elsewhere.

Will the school provide a curriculum?

Some schools will provide plans for foreign teachers, but others won’t. There’s usually a room full of books, CDs and a computer for your use, if you want to print off worksheets to use. And, as part of your TEFL course, you’ll be given loads of lesson planning ideas, as well as a copy of the government curriculum to go by. Remember, you’re there for conversational English, so your goal is to get the students to practice the English they already know. You might want to help with pronunciation and teach a few new vocabulary words, but anything you want to do to get the class talking is perfectly acceptable.

You will pay your monthly rent in cash (Thai baht) directly to the landlord.

What if I can’t fulfill my contract?

We ask that you don’t sign a contract with a forethought of breaking it, but we understand that life sometimes gets in the way. If you have an emergency and need to return home, the school and Teach English: ESL will be supportive of your decision provided it is reasonable.

How will I get paid?

Once you get a work permit, you’ll have help setting up a local Thai bank account with an ATM card, and your monthly checks will be directly deposited.

Is it easy to send money home from Thailand?

Yes. Almost any bank can exchange your Thai baht into your native currency, and Western Unions are available almost everywhere to send money home. Many teachers send money home to pay student loans and other bills while they’re working in Thailand, and it’s relatively hassle free.

Should I bring a gift for my co-teachers?

It’s a great idea to bring a few small gifts with you for your co-teachers. It would be nice to bring something that represents where you are from. Common gifts are chocolates, wine, coffee mugs, t- shirts, etc. We also recommend bringing photos of your family and your hometown, and perhaps a map to share with the Thais who will undoubtedly be curious about your life back home.